Portsmouth, Va. — The captain of the port for Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads has set port condition Whiskey ahead of Hurricane Sandy.
The ports are currently open to all commercial traffic, and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect.
Winds between 39 and 54 mph from a hurricane-force storm are possible within 72 hours.
Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy-weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition X-ray when gale force winds from Hurricane Sandy are within 48 hours of landfall.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please view the following site http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
